Top 10: Stand-Up Comics

You're a funny guy, always getting a laugh at office parties and family gatherings... even before you hit the booze. Furthermore, you can recognize comic genius when watching certain stand-up comedians at work. Question is, which ones are the funniest?

To compile the list, I considered comics who make guys literally laugh out loud. Although comedy is subjective, there are certain things about a great stand-up act that separate the amateurs from the pros. These include (but are not limited to) political incorrectness, vulgarity, timelessness, and the uncontrollable urge to repeat the comedian's jokes to your friends.

Number 10

Jeff Foxworthy

The world almost missed out on Jeff Foxworthy's comedic skills, as he was originally an IBM employee. On a dare from his friends, he got up on stage at an Atlanta comedy club. Months later, he was doing this full-time.

Initially, his comedy focused on family situations, but once he discovered that his Southern charm was well-received by pretty much everyone, rednecks became the target of his jokes. This brand of humor became his trademark and has seen success in the form of books ( Games Rednecks Play, Hick Is Chic ), albums ( Big Funny, You Might Be a Redneck If... ), and even a television sitcom ( The Jeff Foxworthy Show ).

Best line: "You might be a redneck if you go to a family reunion to meet women."

Number 9

Robert Schimmel

Schimmel was selling stereo equipment in Arizona when his sister, whom he was visiting in L.A., signed him up for amateur night at a comedy club behind his back. He then became a writer for other comics and the hit show In Living Color while developing his shtick, which deals with taboo topics ranging from sex to cancer (he is a cancer survivor).

Some comics have trouble projecting themselves on stage, but Schimmel has enormous charisma. His only obstacle is making people stop laughing long enough for him to deliver the next joke. He's never afraid to shock the audience and is known for his repertoire of masturbation jokes.

Best line: "Why are hemorrhoids called hemorrhoids and asteroids called asteroids? Wouldn't it make more sense if it was the other way around? But if that was true, then a proctologist would be an astronaut."

Number 8

Chris Rock

Growing up in a poor neighborhood and being confronted with racism at an early age inspired Rock to turn toward comedy. At 18, he was already a stand-up comic, and that is when Eddie Murphy discovered him and helped him launch his career. Rock has gone from writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live , to actor in movies like Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) and Head of State (2003). He also served as head writer, producer and star of The Chris Rock Show , which has picked up several Emmy awards and nominations.

Rock is totally uninhibited and whenever he has the microphone, political correctness is nowhere to be found. As seen on his two critically-acclaimed cable TV specials, Bring the Pain and Bigger & Blacker , Rock will rant about topics like crack, alimony, O.J., racism, and even Colin Powell. What makes him so funny is that his observations on life are so brutally accurate. This loud comedian never holds back, which is why people can't get enough of him.

Best line: "Yeah you could do it without a man, but that don't mean it's to be done. Sh*t, you could drive a car with your feet if ya want to, that don't make it a good f*ckin' idea!" Chris Rock, on women who say they don't need a man to help them raise their child.